NIGERIA – Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign, arguing that worsening economic conditions, insecurity, and unmet campaign promises warrant greater political accountability.
In a statement released on Monday, Obi drew parallels with the planned resignation of the British Prime Minister, saying the development highlighted the importance of leaders taking responsibility when governments fail to meet public expectations.
According to Obi, successful democracies are often distinguished by a culture of accountability, where leaders are willing to step aside when they are no longer able to effectively address national challenges.
Obi recalled that before 2015, opposition politicians, including Tinubu, had called on then-President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over economic difficulties, insecurity, and the government’s handling of the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls abduction.
He noted that critics at the time argued that government had failed in its fundamental responsibility to protect lives and property.
The former presidential candidate also referenced promises made during the 2023 election campaign, when Tinubu pledged improvements in electricity supply, anti-corruption efforts, security, and citizens’ welfare. Obi said the President had urged Nigerians to judge his administration based on its ability to deliver those commitments.
Obi argued that many of the challenges facing Nigerians have worsened since the administration took office.
He cited persistent electricity shortages, rising insecurity, including kidnappings in several parts of the country, increasing economic hardship and living costs, as well as what he described as limited progress in infrastructure, transportation, and anti-corruption efforts.
“We are in the worst possible condition,” Obi said, adding that he was joining “Nigerians of goodwill” in calling for the President’s resignation over what he described as a failure of governance.
According to Obi, a resignation would help strengthen a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility rather than impunity.
He argued that such a move would reinforce the principle that public office is a public trust and demonstrate that elected leaders must be held accountable for their performance.
“Only by ending the culture of impunity can we secure a better future for the society our children will inherit in a New Nigeria that is possible,” Obi said.
As of the time of publication, the Presidency had not issued an official response to Obi’s remarks.
The Tinubu administration has previously defended its economic reforms, arguing that while some policies have imposed short-term hardship, they are intended to stabilize the economy and lay the foundation for long-term growth.
Obi remains one of Nigeria’s most prominent opposition figures and has continued to advocate for governance reforms, transparency, and policies aimed at improving economic and social conditions for Nigerians.
